Thursday, August 16, 2012

Jalapeno Lime Margaritas

I humbly admit, I make a heck of a frozen margarita. But that's not what this is about. This is about a cocktail adventure. That Guy, The Enabler was down this past weekend and we went out with friends and had a great time (sans children). So, we went to a pretty new cocktail bar in the area and I saw these jalapeno lime margaritas on the menu. They were incredibly good, but at $6.00 a pop for a short glass, what's the first thing you usually think? "I can make these." At least, that's what I usually think. The list of ingredients for the ones we had were: lime juice, tequila, agave nectar, jalapeno and sugar cane. The flavor was sweet with a good lime flavor and just a hint of heat at the back of the throat. They were like crack in a glass. Well, this is my version, not as sweet because I like a more sour margarita, but if you like - a teaspoon of caster sugar (powdered sugar) or some simple syrup could sweeten it up a bit. Also, so I don't have to write a novel in the ingredients, use GOOD tequila. At a minimum, Sauza Gold or something equivalent. A reposado or anejo are good options. You don't have to spend a ton of money, but do NOT use Jose Cuervo or your drink will taste like dirt. This is the secret to being able to crank up the tequila and still have good flavor in your margarita.

If you desire salt on the rim of the glass, cut a slice of lime and run it around the rim, then turn the glass in the salt poured on a plate. Do this before you put the ice in, please. Pour all ingredients into a shaker with a strainer and shake well. Yes, put the crushed jalapeno and its juice in, too. Strain into glass with ice. This will make about 4 small glasses (rocks glass size, about 6 ounces each). This particular recipe yields a bit more of a jalapeno flavor than the ones we had, which I like. It also yields a pretty strong drink and a couple will make you feel it. Serve with a lime slice and jalapeno slice. Enjoy!

12 comments:

Thanks a bunch, mohave! If you choose to just use the agave nectar and no sugar, it has a low glycemic index, which translates into better for you if you need to avoid refined sugars or watch your blood sugar.

You know, NFO, I was off of tequila for a good 12 years after college for a very good and stupid reason. I had to work myself back into it with margaritas. Maybe that unfortunate experience is why I despise Cuervo so much. My antipathy apparently showed through in the post.